Lawrence "Larry" James McWard, 81, of Morrisonville, Illinois, passed away at Taylorville Care Center on March 10, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1944, in Taylorville to the late Clarence A. and Velma E. (Klingler) McWard. On August 7, 1966, he married Connie Sue Braye at the First Baptist Church of Morrisonville. Together they shared many beautiful years and raised five children.
Larry graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1962. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a doctorate from The Ohio State University. He devoted his career to teaching as a college professor, holding positions at Nokomis, Vandalia, Florida State University, and finally Western Illinois University, where he retired after many years of service.
Faith was central to Larry’s life, and the First Baptist Church of Morrisonville remained especially dear to him. He found quiet joy in reading and collecting tools. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather who treasured every moment spent with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Connie McWard of Morrisonville; his children, James (Christy) McWard of Kansas City, Missouri, Kelly (Craig) Beason of Naples, Florida, Kimberly (Dave) Farr of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kendra (Glenn) Winham of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Kerry McWard-Newstrom of Minneapolis; grandchildren Andrew McWard, Alex McWard, Chloé Beason, Lucabella Beason, Katie Beason, Zacary Beason, Evan Farr, Colin Farr, Owen Farr, and Grant Winham; his brother Lyle McWard (Shirley Steele) of Decatur, Illinois; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
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